Feline Mask c. 100 - 500

This feline mask was made by the Moche people out of copper, sometime before 800 AD in ancient Peru. What can this artifact tell us about the social role of art in Moche society? The Moche were known for their sophisticated metalworking, and objects like this were often used in rituals, particularly those surrounding warfare and sacrifice. Masks like this one were not worn by everyone: they were likely the preserve of priests or elites. The feline was a powerful symbol in Moche culture, and its image appears frequently in their art, suggesting the qualities of strength and agility were highly valued. But the mask is not just a symbol; it is also a performance prop. Art such as this one played an important role in shaping social hierarchy, reinforcing the authority of the elite through religious ritual. To understand the mask’s original social context better, we can study the archeological record, colonial-era chronicles, and the work of historians. This will allow us to interpret the mask not just as a work of art, but as a cultural artifact.